“There'll be smoke on the water on the land and the sea, when our army and navy overtakes the enemy. There'll be smoke on the mountains were the heathern God stayed, and the sun that is rising will go down on that day¦.and the mighty Willys Jeep delivered just that to the enemy in World War II.

The Jeep legend began in November 1940, in the early days of World War II, just a year before the United States entered the war.

From 1941 to 1945 Willys produced the MB Model, the original go-anywhere, do-anything vehicle, which came to be known by its nickname, "Jeep".

Made famous during WWII, Willys produced over 300,000 MB vehicles. Jeeps were heavily used by every division of the American military, with 144 Jeeps provided to every infantry regiment in the U.S. Army. Large numbers of Jeeps were shipped to the Allied Forces of Britain and Russia: nearly 30% of total Jeep production.

One of the first military vehicles mass-produced in the United States, the Willys MB US Army jeep is the culmination of war-time ingenuity, standardisation and strategic personalisation for transport of personnel and cargo.

Soon to become the ubiquitous, "world-famous" jeep, the Willys MB was very effective on the ground, with many standardised features such as 6.00x16 tires, 60 honest horsepower at 4,000 rpm, a gasoline can bracket on the left rear, provisions for trailer lights, spark interference suppression, a blackout light system, twin top bows and sealed spring shackles.

While earlier black-out lamps for the MB were used as aids to see other vehicles in the convoy, later MBs feature a large blackout headlamp mounted on the left front fender that was used to help the driver see where he was going. The headlamps on all WWII Willys MB Jeeps hinged up so they could illuminate the engine compartment in dark times.

In 1942 the MB Jeeps got combat wheels, replacing the original stamped and welded version. Combat wheels were heavier and bolted together to facilitate field repair, and also had the ability to transport the vehicle for a distance with deflated tires. All jeeps had brackets for their pioneer tools mounted on the left side below the entryway.

Rounded rear corners were found on the bodies of all Willys' MB models. All models also featured larger bumperettes, exterior handles for manual extrication from sticky terrain, and two top bows to raise the height of the canvas and keep it from pounding the heads of the front seat occupants.

ABOUT THIS CAR

• Engine No: GPW229607
• Chassis: MB335567
• Very nicely restored and originally maintained Jeep. This is NOT a reproduction. We understand that fenders, hood, grille, tub and all five combat rims are original!
• Motor and running gear is mostly original and in full running order.
• In good all round condition and an absolute thrill to drive. 
• Original factory handbook available with car.
• This vehicle is not only very collectable – it will also drive you anywhere, on any terrain.
• Nowadays lots of fun to drive and very collectable. 

Car will be sold WOF'd and Registered if sold in New Zealand.

TRANSPORT / WORLDWIDE SHIPPING CAN BE ORGANISED ON THIS VEHICLE ON BUYER'S BEHALF AT BUYERS COST.

Viewing is STRICTLY BY PRIOR APPOINTMENT only.